Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest Service
Southwestern Region
RG-R3-04-06
Red Rock Country - Coconino National Forest - Sedona, Arizona
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
What’s Inside?
Picnic/Camping Information............ 2, 5, 7
Weather................................................. 2
Fee and Pass Information........................ 3
Scenic Drives.......................................... 4
Red Rock Country Map....................... 6, 7
Hiking and Hiking Trails.................. 6, 7, 8
Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding.... 8
Historic Photos......................................... 9
Wildlife and Plants................................. 10
Geology................................................ 11
Wilderness Sedona’s Wild Backyard..... 12
Rock Art and Ruins............................... 12
Leave no trace
Important Phone Numbers
Red Rock Ranger
District
(928) 282-4119
Coconino County
Sheriff Department
1-800-338-7888
Coconino National
Forest Supervisor’s
Office (Flagstaff)
(928) 527-3600
Grand Canyon
National Park
(928) 638-7888
Verde Ranger District
(928) 567-4121
Arizona Game and
Fish Department
(602) 942-3000
Sedona Chamber
of Commerce
(928) 282-7722 or
1-800-288-7336
Sedona Medical
Center
(928) 204-3000
Sedona Parks
and Recreation
(928) 282-7098
ARIZONA STATE PARKS
AZ State Parks
www.azstateparks.com
Oak Creek
Visitor Center
(928) 203-0624
Red Rock State Park
(928) 282-6907
Road Conditions
1-888-511-ROAD
Highway Patrol
(928) 773-3600
Dead Horse Ranch
State Park
(928) 634-5283
Slide Rock State Park
(928) 282-3034
Visitor Centers
Help Make the Most
of Your Visit
F
Sedona Chamber of Commerce —
(928) 282-7722. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
daily. Located off Hwy 89A and Forest Road,
mile marker 374.1 in Uptown Sedona.
Oak Creek Vista — Open from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. daily (except in extreme weather
conditions). Located on 89A North at the
Oak Creek Vista Overlook, mile marker 390.
American Indian crafts market and Arizona
Natural History Association bookstore.
Visitor centers offer:
•
Restrooms and recreation information
•
Chamber of Commerce information
•
Arizona Natural History Association maps
and guidebooks
•
Federal Pass information and sales
Oak Creek Visitor Center —
(928) 203-0624. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
daily (closed in winter). Located off of Hwy
89A at Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon,
mile marker 378.2. Fishing licenses and
supplies available.
www.redrockcountry.org • www.fs.usda.gov/coconino
General Information
Camping: National forest camping is limited in Red
Rock Country. Campfires are prohibited outside of
campgrounds. See page 5.
Commercial Tours: A variety of tour companies,
authorized by the Forest Service, provide guided trips
on the national forest. For information, contact a
visitor center.
Fishing: Oak Creek is stocked with trout during summer
months. Fishing licenses are required and are available at
most grocery stores.
Interpretive Programs: Red Rock State Park location:
Lower Red Rock Loop Road off west Hwy. 89A and Red
Rock Visitor Contact Center location: off Hwy. 179 at
mile marker 304.7, 6 miles north of the junction with
I-17. Both locations offer intrepretive programs year
round.
Sedona Police
Department
(928) 282-3100
Driving: Driving any motorized vehicle off of designated
roads is prohibited on the forest. Both scenic and recreational roads are available for use. For more information on
how to get a free map, see page 4.
Yavapai County
Sheriff Department
(928) 567-7710
To report Illegal
Dumping, call
(928) 771-3430
Woodcutting: Woodcutting is prohibited in Red Rock
Country except in designated areas. Contact the ranger
station for information and to purchase permits.
FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911
Red Rock Visitor Center —
(928) 203-2900. Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
daily. Located off Hwy. 179 at mile marker
304.7, 6 miles north of the junction with I-17.
or convenient, accurate information about Red
Rock Country, four visitor centers have been
established in a partnership between the Forest
Service, Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Recreation
Resource Management, and the Arizona Natural History
Association. To report a
wildlife incident
or violation, call
Operation Game
Thief: 1-800-3520700
Weather Forecast
N. Arizona
(928) 774-3301
LOCATIONS AND HOURS
Recreation Pass, Interagency Passes (Annual, Senior
and Access): See page 3 for details.
Wildfire: Fire restrictions and closures may be imposed to
reduce the likelihood of wildfire. Always make sure your
campfire is completely out and never throw cigarettes on
the ground. If you spot a fire or unattended campfire, call
911 to report it. For fire restriction information, call toll
free 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.azfireinfo.com.
Collecting: Collection of most natural objects (rocks and
plants) from national forest lands in Red Rock Country is
very limited and, if allowed, requires a permit from the Forest
Service. To protect the area’s beauty, please leave all natural
objects in place. Collection of cultural artifacts is illegal.
Fishing, Hunting, and Firearm Use: Fishing and
hunting on the national forest in Red Rock Country are
allowed under Arizona Game and Fish regulations. Pick up
a copy of the regulations at any visitor center or go to www.
azgfd.com for more information. Shooting is prohibited
within 150 yards of any residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area and shooting across
roads, trails, or bodies of water is prohibited. Hunting is
prohibited within the city limits of Sedona. Fishing licenses
are available at most grocery stores and through the Arizona
Game and Fish Department.
DID YOU KNOW?
Litter lasts this long in the desert
Cigarette butts........................................ 5 years
Aluminum cans................................... 100 years
Orange and banana peels........................ 2 years
Plastic bottles................................... indefinitely
2 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
Tread on the trail
Camping/Picnicking
Picnicking
A
n outdoor picnic is
one of the best ways
to enjoy Red Rock
Country. There are many
day-use areas with picnic
tables and trash receptacles, or you can hike up to a
vista with a picnic in your
pack. Whatever you pack
in, please pack it out. Even
crumbs can make a difference, so be careful not to
leave traces of food. Don’t
forget to bring lots of water. Picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Picnicking is also allowed in campgrounds from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. for a day-use fee ($8). After 1 p.m., the full
campground fee is charged ($16 to $18 depending on
the campground).
Parking is very limited at most day-use sites. RVs, trailers
and buses are not recommended.
Tell Us
How We’re Doing!
you have comments for the Forest
I fService,
please log on at:
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/contact
A Message from
the District Ranger
“It seemed to me to be the oldest country I had ever
seen, the real antique land, first cousin to the moon.”
—-J.B. Priestly
O
n behalf of the Red Rock Ranger District of
the Coconino National Forest, I welcome
you to this 160,000-acre Red Rock Country.
Despite its rugged appearance, Red Rock Country is
a sensitive and limited living system in need of your
help to sustain and enhance it. In this fragile desert,
plants grow slowly and are easily trampled, and soils
wash away from the impact of thousands of human
footprints. New forest management policies are in
place, but we need your help.
People have lived here for at least 8,000 years,
and until recently, the human impact on the
ecosystem was small. Now the area attracts
4 million visitors annually, as many as visit
Grand Canyon National Park. Because of this
popularity and greater Sedona’s growth, Red
Rock Country, with its scenic landscapes, hiking
trails, and prehistoric ruins is in danger of being
loved to death.
Powerful natural forces, that began their work 350
million years ago, have created a unique mosaic of
plant and animal habitats. I encourage you to take
the time to experience and observe the beauties and
marvels of nature.
I hope you enjoy your stay. Please take to heart
the leave-no-trace commitment described in these
pages. Your children’s children will thank you.
Sincerely, Nicole
Nicole Branton, District Ranger
Red Rock Ranger District
Visitors explore Munds Wagon Trail.
Weather or Not?
Average Temperature
(degrees Fahrenheit)
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
55
59
63
72
81
91
95
92
88
78
65
56
30
32
35
42
49
57
65
64
58
48
37
30
Inches
1.7
1.5
1.7
1.2
0.6
0.5
1.9
2.4
1.5
1.1
1.3
1.7
Sunrise/
Sunset
7:35
7:13
6:37
5:55
5:23
5:13
5:25
5:48
6:10
6:33
7:02
7:27
5:39
6:10
6:36
7:00
7:24
7:43
7:41
7:15
6:33
5:52
5:22
5:18
Total Average Yearly Precipitation: 17.1"
Volunteers Increase
Our Caring Capacity
I
n Red Rock Country you will meet many people
who help maintain and protect the national forest. Citizens from near and far provide the Red Rock Ranger District with more than 55,000 hours of volunteer service every year. These volunteers assist the Forest
Service with maintaining and building trails, informing visitors, and restoring damaged areas. For more
information contact the Friends of the Forest, Inc., P.O.
Box 2391, Sedona, AZ 86339; Trail Resource Access
Coalition of Sedona (TRACS) at 50 Yucca St., Sedona,
AZ 86351; Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) at P.O. Box
1066, Sedona, AZ 86339; or the Sedona Chamber of
Commerce at (928) 282-7722.
Javelina
If you are lucky, you
may meet a herd of
javelina in Red Rock
Country. Javelina
(hah-vel-EEN-a), live
in desert scrub and
Sketch by Susan Kliewer
feed mainly on prickly
pear cactus. Javelina usually feed at night during
hot summer months but are active in the day during cooler months. Javelina do not see well but
have a great sense of smell which helps them find
tubers deep underground. While not aggressive,
they have sharp canines that can inflict a nasty
bite, so keep your dog leashed when in the forest. High Low
Average Total
Precipitation
Leave No Trace
FEE BASICS FOR
RED ROCK COUNTRY
A valid recreation pass is required within the recreation fee
area. The pass must be displayed in the windshield of the
vehicle. Revenue from the pass helps provide information,
education and natural resource protection. See “Federal
Interagency Passes” section below.
Daily Red Rock Pass............................................ $5
Valid for one calendar day.
Weekly Red Rock Pass....................................... $15
Valid for 7 consecutive days.
Annual Red Rock Pass...................................... .$20
Valid for 12 consecutive months. The passes above
are valid for use as a parking permit to recreate in Red
Rock Country including access to Red Rock Country
heritage sites. It is not valid for the use of other fee
areas, developed campgrounds, or these day-use sites
operated by private permittee: Grasshopper Point
Picnic and Swimming Area, Crescent Moon Day Use
Area, and Call O’ the Canyon (West Fork Trailhead).
Grand Annual Red Rock Pass............................ $40
Valid for 12 consecutive months. This pass is valid
for use as a parking permit to recreate in Red
Rock Country including heritage sites, as well as
Grasshopper Point, Crescent Moon, and Call O’ the
Canyon. This pass is NOT valid for the use of other
fee areas or developed campgrounds.
Where to Get a Red Rock Pass
Red Rock Passes are available at most visitor
centers, heritage sites, and many local stores
and hotels within the surrounding area. Grand
Annual Passes can be purchased at the Red
Rock Ranger District Visitor Center and Sedona
Chamber of Commerce. Daily and Weekly Passes
are available at the following self-service machines
at these national forest locations:
Baldwin Trailhead
Banjo Bill Picnic Area
Bear/Doe Trailhead
Bell Rock Pathway Parking
Bootlegger Picnic Area
Boynton Canyon Trailhead
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Encinoso Picnic Area
Halfway Picnic Area
Huckaby Trailhead
Indian Gardens Parking
Jim Thompson Trailhead
Jordan Trailhead
Little Horse Trailhead
Midgley Bridge Parking
They all accept credit cards or cash, $1, $5, and
$10 only.
Other Local Passes
AZ State Parks Passes................................ $10 - $125
Available at all Arizona State Parks for the use of Arizona
State Parks only. For information call: (602) 542-4174
or visit www.azstateparks.com or 800-285-3703.
Federal Interagency Passes
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 3
The following passes are valid in place of the Red
Rock Pass and are available at all Forest Service
offices, Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and Oak
Creek Vista (seasonal). Federal Interagency Senior
and Access Passes allow a 50 percent discount at most
national forest campgrounds.
Federal Interagency Senior Pass............................$10
A Federal Interagency Senior Pass may be purchased by
any U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United
States who is at least 62 years old. It is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. It is valid for the pass holder and
accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Federal
Interagency Senior Pass holders are also eligible for free
entrance to most Federal recreation fee areas.
Federal Interagency Access Pass............................Free
A Federal Interagency Access Pass may be issued to any
U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
who is permanently disabled and eligible for disability
benefits. It is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. It
is valid for the pass holder and accompanying passengers
in a private vehicle. Federal Interagency Access Pass
holders are also eligible for free entrance to most Federal
recreation fee areas.
Leave no trace
How Are the Fees Used?
Ninety-five percent of the fees collected from the Red
Rock Pass Program stay in Red Rock Country. Red Rock Pass funds help to achieve important tasks
on the Red Rock Ranger District to help care for the
land and serve visitors. These include:
• visitor contacts made at the visitor center and in
the forest
• thousands of pounds of trash, abandoned vehicles, and graffiti removed from the forest
• fallen trees removed from trails
• numerous public assists
• interpretive signs installed
• roads and trails maintained
• trash picked up and recycling service
• toilets serviced and cleaned
• resource protection and visitor exhibits at three
unique archaeology sites
• law enforcement and safety
Federal Interagency Military Annual Pass...........Free
A Federal interagency annual military pass may be
issued to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident of
the United States who is active duty military and/or
dependents with proper identification. It is valid for 12
consecutive months and is accepted at most national
forest fee areas and many other Federal fee sites.
How Your Red Rock
Pass Funds Are Spent
Federal Interagency Annual Pass ......................... $80
A Federal Interagency Annual Pass may be purchased
by anyone, is valid for 12 consecutive months, and is
accepted at most national forest fee areas and many other
Federal fee sites.
These passes are NOT transferable.
Buying A Red Rock Pass
Protects Red Rock Country
T
he mission of the Red Rock Pass Program is to
conserve, protect, and restore the natural and
cultural resources on national forest in Red Rock
Country. This program was authorized by Congress as
the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA)
in 2004 (P.L. 108-447). The program authorizes fees
to be collected to pay for the care and maintenance of
recreation areas like Sedona’s Red Rock Country.
Are Fees Really Needed?
Public Lands Our National Treasure
P
ublic lands are one of America’s great treasures.
Nearly one-third of the country belongs to its
citizens—a national inheritance unrivaled in the
world. Public lands are celebrated for their recreation
and spiritual values, for economic benefits, for what
they preserve of pristine America, and for their role
as a vast recreational playground and classroom for all
Americans and foreign visitors.
For every dollar in the Federal budget, only .00018 of
a penny goes to national forest recreation, heritage and
wilderness programs nationwide which is a fraction of
the funds needed to care for the increasingly popular
Red Rock Country.
RED ROCK PASS
Recreation Resource
Management the Big “3” Pass.................... $8 - $40
Available at Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Call O’
the Canyon and the Recreation Resource Management
Visitor Center (seasonal).
PASS ON YOUR PUBLIC LAND LEGACY
One of America’s national treasures
4 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
Leave no trace
Scenic Drives
R
ed Rock Country has spectacular scenery and driving is one way to see a lot of country. Here are
some recommended scenic drives.
Two Hours or Less:
Red Rock Loop Road
Magnificent views of Cathedral Rock, access to Red Rock
Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch, and Red Rock State
Park. Paved, with one gravel section.
From Sedona, drive west on Hwy.
89A. Turn left on Upper Red
Rock Loop Road. This winding
road has several scenic pullouts.
At the bottom of the hill, turn
left on Chavez Ranch Road to
Crescent Moon Recreation Area
or bear right and continue on to Red Rock State
Park. Part of the road is gravel, and then becomes Lower
Red Rock Loop Road 5 miles back to Hwy. 89A. Turn
right to return to Sedona on Hwy. 89A.
Boynton Pass Loop
Stupendous views of Boynton Canyon and Dry Creek
and numerous trail access points. Mostly paved, with
unpaved and bumpy sections.
From Sedona continue 3 miles west on Hwy. 89A to Dry
Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road and go 5
miles. Turn left on Boynton Pass Road. Continue to Forest
Road 525. Turn left and continue 8 miles to Hwy. 89A. A
left onto the highway will return you to Sedona. Page Springs Loop
Red rock views, fish hatchery, visitor center, desert grassland and return past Bell Rock and trailheads.
From Sedona, drive 12 miles west on Hwy. 89A to
Page Springs Road. Travel 3 miles to the entrance to
Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Continue to Cornville Road.
Turn left and travel 4 miles to FR 120 (Beaverhead
Flat Road). Turn left onto Beaverhead Flat Road and
travel 7 miles to Hwy. 179. Turn left at Hwy. 179
and find the Village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock and
trailheads. Total Trip: About 1 hour, 45 minutes and
40 miles.
Half Day:
Oak Creek – Interstate 17 Loop
Scenic Oak Creek Canyon and breathtaking Verde
Valley views.
From Sedona, go north 15 miles on Hwy. 89A to the
top of Oak Creek Canyon, where there is a scenic viewpoint. Continue north 8 miles to the I-17 junction.
Turn left onto I-17 to visit Flagstaff, or right onto I-17
to return to Sedona. Travel south on I-17 for 38 miles
to the Hwy. 179 junction. Exit and go on Hwy. 179 14 miles back to Sedona. Total trip: About 3 hours and
75 miles.
Desert Canyon Loop
This is a drive through scenic desert country
where you’ll see colorful canyons, cultural sites,
lush oasis, picturesque ranches, and out-of-theway Indian ruins. The route skirts the lower
elevations of Arizona’s rim country where red
rock canyons spill out from under thick basalt
flows. The road cuts two of these canyons and
offers access to a third along the way. Roadside
signs point the way to a number of hiking trails
and a few spur roads leading off into the back Oak Creek canyon view from vista
country. Keep an eye out for roadrunners, coyotes and javelinas as you drive. The road is a bit
Red Rocks Sycamore Canyon Loop
rough, requiring slow speeds. FR 618 is graveled and
suitable for passenger cars; however, it can become soft
This route hugs the foot of colorful cliffs in the heart
and slippery when wet.
of Red Rock Country and offers scenic side trips. This
drive takes you out to Robber’s Roost, where horse
From Sedona take Hwy. 179 to the junction with
thieves once hid their contraband, and to Sycamore
I-17, continue southeast under the highway
Pass, the gateway to Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and
onto FR 618. Follow this road along the
finally back to Red Rock Crossing on Oak Creek.
base of the Mogollon Rim 13 miles to Hwy.
260 (General Crook Highway) and turn
Take Hwy. 89A through West Sedona to Dry Creek Road
west (right) 9 miles back to I-17. (FR 152C). Turn north and proceed along FR 152C for
2 miles to Vultee Arch Road and another 2.5 miles to
the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road. FR 152C
One Day:
continues southwest (left) onto an unpaved road (at some
National Monuments Loop
places this road is a rocky, washboard, uneven surface). In
Ancient ruins at three national monuments (Montezuma
about 4 miles, FR 152C intersects FR 525. From here
Castle, Montezuma Well, and Tuzigoot) and rock art at
you turn north (right) to the Loy Butte spur or south
the V Bar V (Vee Bar Vee) Cultural Site.
(left) to continue the drive. In another 4 miles FR 525
intersects FR 525C (Sycamore Pass Spur). This road will
From Sedona, travel west on Hwy. 89A to Cottonwood.
take you to the east side of Sycamore Canyon. Continue
Tuzigoot Road to Tuzigoot National Monument is 2
south
5.5 miles to Hwy. 89A and another 5.3 miles on
miles past Old Town on the right. To get to Montezuma
pavement
back to Sedona. The Red Rock Loop Road,
Castle National Monument, get back on Hwy. 89A to
which accesses Red Rock Crossing is located off Hwy.
Hwy. 260 to I-17. Go north on I-17 to the Middle Verde
89A about 1 mile south of Sedona.
exit. Turn right (east). The Montezuma Castle access road
is one-quarter mile on the left. Get back on I-17 and go
FR152C is paved to Doe Mountain Trailhead, and Red
north 11 miles to exit 293. Go straight (north) from the
Rock Loop Road is paved except for the last mile or
ramp and follow the signs 5 miles to Montezuma Well. so. The rest of this route is unpaved and can become
From there continue north on Forest Road 119 about 2.5
muddy and slippery when wet.
miles, and turn right on Forest Road 618. Follow it about
1.5 miles to the turnoff for V Bar V Cultural Site (open
Red Rocks and Volcanoes
Friday through Monday). Follow signs to the site. Return
This route includes views of Oak Creek Canyon, the
to Sedona via Hwy. 179.
San Francisco Peaks, cool ponderosa pine forests, many
hiking trails, picturesque picnic and camp spots, fall
Fire Lookouts and Wilderness Vistas
aspen color, and views of elk and mule deer.
Enjoy views of West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon and
Sycamore Canyon from three vantage points. To reach
Harding Point, which overlooks West Fork, from
Sedona take Hwy. 89A to 1 mile north of Oak Creek
Vista. Turn left onto Forest Road 535 (gravel). Follow
Forest Road 535 to 535A for approximately 4.5 miles
for terrific views.
To go to the Turkey Butte and East Pocket fire lookouts,
from Sedona go north on Hwy. 89A to Flagstaff. Turn
west onto Hwy. 66 and travel several miles to Forest
Road 231, also known as Woody Mountain Road
(gravel). Follow Woody Mountain Road for approximately 13 miles to the junction of Forest Road 231A.
East Pocket Lookout is another 6 miles down Forest
Road 231. Turkey Butte Lookout is about 3 miles down
FR 231A, a recommended high-clearance road. You will
need to walk the last quarter mile to get to Turkey Butte
Fire Lookout. When staffed, both lookouts are open to
the public.
Be a safe and courteous driver
•Please don’t litter
•Unpaved roads require slower speeds
•Bicycles and pedestrians have the right-of-way
•Stay on the road to minimize vehicle impacts on
desert plants
•Avoid unsurfaced roads during wet weather
•During periods of inclement weather, some roads
may be temporarily closed for public safety and
resource protection. Please respect all posted
closures and remember to “Tread Lightly.”
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for primitive roads in Red Rock Country
Drive north along Oak Creek Canyon on Hwy. 89A
from Sedona to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff drive north
on Hwy. 180 about 2 miles. Just beyond the Museum
of Northern Arizona, turn east on FR 420. Follow this
route up and over Shultz Pass to Hwy. 89 where you’ll
turn right for the return trip to Flagstaff. Shultz Pass
Road may be closed during winter.
New Rules for Motor Vehicles
On May 1, 2012, the Coconino National
Forest began implementing new rules regarding
where you can drive a motor vehicle on the
national forest. The Agency has published a
new motor vehicle use map (MVUM) which is
free to all forest visitors. The motor vehicle use
map indicates which roads, trails, and areas are
open to motor vehicle travel. The MVUM also
includes areas where visitors can drive off road
up to 300 feet to camp in or near their motor
vehicles. Roads, trails, and areas not shown on
the MVUM are not supposed to be driven on
with a motor vehicle. Driving off of roads or on
roads not shown on the map may result in a fine.
Motor vehicle use maps are available for free at all
Coconino National Forest offices or on the Web
site at http://go.usa.gov/PEB (this Web address is
case sensitive). This Web site also has instructions
for uploading a GPS enabled version of the map
for all smartphones and Garmin GPS devices.
Red Rock Country
Vicinity Map
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 5
Leave no trace
Dispersed Camping
Exit 337
Airport
B
LEGEND
Recreation Pass Required
To FLAGSTAFF
12 miles
Area within closed to camping
and/or campfires except within
developed campgrounds
Primary Highway
Paved Road
Cave Springs
Campground
Recreation
Pass Required
Points of
Interest
Campgrounds
Roundabout
N
Pine Flat
Campground
Call ’O
the
Canyon
Other Areas
Available for Camping
Honanki
Cultural Site
South of Sedona
NORTH
52
Manzanita
Campground
Oak Creek
Visitor Center
Jordan
Road
Boynton
sR
Pas
ng
y Cree k R d
Dr
25C
FR 5
FR 525
d.
Lo
on
ny
a
C
.
Rd
FR
1
Palatki
Cultural
Site
Slide
Rock
State Park
SEDONA
Grasshopper
Point
eb
Schn
y
d
Hill Roa
l
Dirt Road
Oak
Creek
Vista
.
SOUTH
Chavez Group
Campground
Crescent Airport
Moon
Red
Red Rock
Rock
Crossing
Loop
Jerome
Pa g
e
COTTONWOOD
North of Sedona
Off Hwy. 89A north of Oak Creek Vista.
East of Sedona
Camping is allowed along Schnebly Hill Road east of
Schnebly Hill Vista, 6 miles from Sedona.
Red Rock
Ranger Station
C o rn
ville
Ro
a
ad
d1
Campfire Safety
19
B
Beaver Creek
Campground
V Bar V
Cultural
Site
Exit 289
Exit 287
To PHOENIX
Montezuma Well
Nat. Monument
18
FR 6
Exit 293
Travel on Schnebly Hill
Road requires a highclearance vehicle.
Refer to the free motor vehicle use
map . . . pick one up at your nearest
Forest Service office.
.
Rd
t
Fla
Exit 298
Plan ahead for these
scenic drives by purchasing
a Coconino National Forest
map at any visitor center.
Travel 3 miles west of Lower Red Rock Loop Road on
Hwy. 89A to Forest Road 525. After 2 miles, much of FR
525 and 525C are open for dispersed camping.
Chapel of the
Holy Cross
Village of
Oak Creek
gs Rd. 134
Page
Springs
Fish
Hatchery
rin
Sp
Tuzigoot
Nat. Monument
Beaver Creek Area: East of I-17. Dispersed campers
must be 1 mile away from Beaver Creek Campground.
Camping and/or campfires are prohibited in the Bell Trail
area. No Red Rock Pass required.
Lawrence Crossing: East of I-17, take Forest Road (FR)
618 for about 2 miles, then go west on FR 121 about 1.5
miles, then south on FR 121A. This area is designated for
walk-in tent camping only.
Bull Pen: East of I-17 take FR 618 south for about 8
miles, then go east on FR 215 for about 2 miles. Or go
east on Hwy. 260 from Camp Verde for about 5 miles to
FR 618 and travel north about 2 miles, then east on FR
215 for about 2 miles.
West of Sedona
Red Rock
State Park
ea
ve
rhe
Clarkdale
Dead Horse Ranch
State Park
ecause of intense use of Red Rock Country, the
area around Sedona is closed to camping except
in developed campgrounds (see chart, page 2).
Specific boundaries for dispersed camping are shown on
the map on pages 6 and 7.
Backpacking is permitted in wilderness areas. In Red
Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and Munds
Mountain Wilderness, hikers must be in at least 1 mile
from the trailhead before camping. In Sycamore Canyon
Wilderness, camping and campfires are prohibited at and
downstream of Parsons Springs. On the West Fork Trail,
camping is allowed only after 6 miles in from the Hwy.
89A trailhead.
No services are available at dispersed sites. Pack out all
trash and put fires out, cold to the touch.
Montezuma Castle
Nat. Monument
Fort Verde
State Park
CAMP VERDE
Clear Creek
Campground
(Red Rock Pass
Required)
14
FR 2
15
FR 2
To
PAYSON
“Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. Do your
part, don’t let one start.”
Drown! Drown the fire with water and dirt.
Stir! Stir the remains. Be sure all burnable
materials are extinguished.
Feel! Feel all materials
with your bare hands. Make sure
your fire is out cold!
Take responsibility . . .
If you have a campfire, remember
to never leave it unattended. If
it is too hot to touch, it is too
hot to leave!
Only YOU can
prevent wildfires.
1
2
3
W = wilderness
Map
Coordinates
W
T
R
F
1.1 T
100
1.5
50
1.7
250
6 short easy trails
0.9
350
VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK AND BELL ROCK
FR
8B
B
RED ROCK
SECRET MOUNTAIN
WILDERNESS
Loy Cyn.
Secret Mtn.
C
W
COCONINO
NATIONAL
FOREST
E
W
W
W
W
W
W
2.4
1.0
2.0
0.7
0.5
0.7
2.6
2.8
4.0
0.9
1.7
2.4
1.1
1.0
3.3
1.2
5.5
2.2
2,000
50
1,800
800
700
170
400
1,100
1,000
400
1,000
1,000
850
150
500
2,400
1,600
1
B7
E8
E9
A8
E8
A8
E8
F8
F8
B8
E9
C7
A8
B8
A7
D7
D7
D8
T
P ass
N
0
1
2
T
Bear Mtn.
Doe Mtn.
T
R d.
Aerie
FR
152A
Dawa
T
Ok
Rupp
Cockscomb
SOUTH
To Cottonwood
(8 miles)
G
Visitor Information
T
Soldier Pass
Trail System
Forest Rd.
Bandit
rt Rd .
po
T
T
Scheurman Mtn.
? 2
Brewer
16
T
High
School
Ramshead
R e d R oc
d.
T
12
Airport Loop
Ridge
Pig
Mystic
Back
O'Beyond
Rd.
Chapel
T
Cathedral
HT
13
T
Easy
.
Breezy
Rd
k
Baldwin
ree
C
T
Cathedral
key
Rock Templeton
Tur
r
S
Turkey Creek c
T
Oak Creek
Day Use Recreation Site
Trail Name
T
Be
Ro
Slim
Shady
Area within is closed to camping and/or
Trail
campfires except in developed campgrounds Oak Creek
Recreation Pass Required
Primary Highway
Paved Road
See blowup on page 9
(FR) Forest Service
or Dirt Road
T No fee, no pass needed
Trailhead
Wilderness
Area
Red Rock Pass required
T
2
SEDONA
Herkenham
Campground
I
T
Thu nd
Little Elf T
Sanborn
tn. Rd.
er M
T
LEGEND
?
k
T
T
Carroll Cyn.
Old Post
T
T
Red Rock Loop
W
Jim Th
Cibo
Soldier Pass
Chimney Rock
Centennial
Wil
Jordan Trail
Teacup
Thunder Mtn.
Girdner
FR 9513
H
TT Pass
T
AZ Cypress
3 miles
F
Devils Bridge
TT
Mescal
Bo
y
T
Map Scale
Brins Mesa
T
Boyn
to n
OAK CREEK CANYON AND SCHNEBLY HILL
A. B. Young
Allens Bend
Casner Canyon
Cookstove
Cow Pies
Harding Springs
Huckaby
Munds Mountain
Munds Wagon
Purtymun
Schnebly Hill
Sterling Pass
Telephone
Thomas Point
West Fork
Wilson Canyon
Wilson Mountain
N. Wilson Mountain
R
T
Valley
de l R d .
o
Ve ho
W
W
W
D
Chuckwagon
d.
as
r P s R d.
W
W
Deadmans Pass
Fay Cyn.
k
W
W
W
Long Cyn.
14
rR
pe
U p oo p
L
W
E3
E4
D4
C6
D4
D6
E4
E4
C5
D5
D6
E4
C6
D4
C5
G7
C4
B2
D5
D2
E5
E5
C5
C3
C7
Mooney
Sterling Pa
T
Rd.
on
ny
Ca
W
250
2,500
1,800
650
450
150
160
10
800
150
350
400
500
150
800
140
580
1,700
150
1,000
100
200
600
2,000
400
T
T
Boynton Cyn.
Sold i e
W
W
W
2.8
9.5
2.5
3.2
2.5
3.4
2.5
2.0
1.0
1.2
0.8
0.6
6.2
1.1
1.5
2.7
3.7
5.0
2.2
4.2
0.5
2.8
5.5
5.3
1.5
Wilderness
Boundary
Re d
T
Aerie
Arizona Cypress
Bear Mountain
Bear Sign
Boynton Canyon
Chuckwagon
Cockscomb
Dawa
David Miller
Deadmans Pass
Devils Bridge
Doe Mountain
Dry Creek Loop
Fay Canyon
HS Canyon
Llama
Long Canyon
Loy Canyon
Mescal
Mooney
OK
Rupp
Secret Canyon
Secret Mountain
Vultee Arch
Vultee Arch
HS Cyn.
15
T
9
6
Secret Cyn.
Dry Creek Rd
.
DRY CREEK BASIN AND POINTS WEST
8
David Miller
FR 525
W
200
600
400
Bear Sign
Rd.
W
2,000
50
2,000
50
Dry Creek
Sec re Cyn.
t
E6
G6
F5
G4
F5
(see pg. 9)
G6
G7
H8
G6
H8
(see pg. 9)
H9
G7
H9
(see pg. 9)
(see pg. 9)
G6
H5
I8
(see pg. 9)
A.B. Young
on
nt
W
100
150
50
50
600
250
We
T
FR 795
W
0.4
1.6
3.7
1.0
0.7
4.2
2.0
9.0
0.7
6.8
0.4
2.4
3.4
3.4
5.3
5.0
O ak C
53
FR 525
Bail
Baldwin
Bell Rock Pathway
Big Park
Cathedral Rock
Courthouse Butte Loop
Easy Breezy
Hot Loop
HT
Jacks Canyon
Phone
Slim Shady
Templeton
Turkey Creek
Woods Canyon
Yavapai Point Trail System
525
C
k
No motorized or mechanized vehicles
including bicycles allowed in wilderness
RED ROCK ROAD AREA
Herkenham
Ramshead
Red Rock Loop
Red Rock State Park
Scheurman Mountain
Fo
Jordan
W
W
e st
Brewer
Rd.
W
W
SYCAMORE
CANYON
WILDERNESS
F7
F6
E7
F8
F8
F7
E6
F5
G7
E5
E7
F5
E7
E6
G7
E5
F8
F7
F6
F7
F6
E7
E7
E6
E6
E5
Coffee Pot
W
3.3
200
0.5
20
3.0
600
2.1
300
1.7
300
0.6
20
1.8
100
0.2
30
0.7
100
1.1
150
1.0
250
4.5
360
3.0
100
1.2
200
1.5
300
1.2
100
2.0 Mountain
100
Casner
0.9
150
2.6
100
0.6
100
2.8
480
2.4
450
8.0
0.5
200
Dogie
2.0
200
1.6
50
r
Airport Loop
Bandit
Brins Mesa
Broken Arrow Road
Broken Arrow Trail
Brewer
Carroll Canyon
Centennial
Chapel
Chimney Rock
Cibola Pass
Girdner
Jim Thompson
Jordan
Little Horse
Lower Chimney Rock
Margs Draw
Mystic
Old Post
Pigtail
Ridge
Soldier Pass
Soldier Pass Wash Trail System
Sugarloaf Loop
Teacup
Thunder Mountain
Yield
To
Coconino National Forest
A
SEDONA AREA
Ai
r
Elevation
Gain
Wilderness Boundary
Made in
the Shade
VILLAGE
OF
(can substitute with Interagency
Annual, Senior, or Access Pass)
3
4
5
6
7
12
0
Miles
One Way
7
Shelby
Rd.
W
6
Red Rock
Country
TRAIL INFORMATION
Trail Name
4
Lo
ng
y
C an on
FR 152
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
e
rR dR
weop Rd. oc
o
L Lo
6
T
To Flagstaff (12 miles)
4 ?
8
9
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
7
Recreation Site Information
19
Cookstove
Site Name
A
18
Cre
ek
Harding Springs
West Fork
Thomas Point
NORTH
B
Oak Creek Canyon
7
Camping and/or
campfires are
permitted only
in campgrounds.
Purtymun
8
9
6
17
North Wilson Mtn.
ass
W il s
on
10
Mt
n.
? 3
D
lson Mtn.
Casner Cyn.
hompson
ola Pass
Rd.
Up
t
ow
n
0
Y
Flush Toilet
0
45'
All Year
2
3
Sedona Chamber of Commerce
0
Y
Flush Toilet
0
15'
All Year
Oak Creek Visitor Center
0
Y
Flush Toilet
0
45'
All Year
4
Oak Creek Vista
0
Y
Compost
Toilet
2 picnic
30'
All Year, Weather
Permitting
5
Call 'O the Canyon (West Fork
Trailhead)
$10
N
Vault Toilet
6
30'
All Year
6
7
Slide Rock State Park
$10$20
Y
Compost
Toilet
15 Picnic
2 Group
36'
All Year
Bootlegger
RRP *
N
Vault Toilet
10
15'
All Year
Banjo Bill
RRP *
Y
Vault Toilet
12
15'
All Year
Halfway
RRP *
N
Vault Toilet
8
15'
All Year
Encinoso
RRP *
N
Compost
Toilet
12
15'
All Year
11 Grasshopper Point
$8
N
Vault Toilet
3
30'
All Year
12 Crescent Moon ^
13 Red Rock State Park
$10
Y
Compost
Toilet
14 Picnic
1 Group
30'
All Year
$10
Y
Flush Toilet
3 Group
36'
All Year
RRP *
N
Vault Toilet
0
All Year, Weather
Permitting
15 Honanki Heritage Site
RRP *
N
Vault Toilet
0
All Year
V Bar V Rock Heritage Site (see map
on page 5) (open Friday, Saturday,
Sunday, and Monday only)
RRP *
N
Vault Toilet
0
All Year
Palatki Heritage Site,
(928)282-3854
Rd
.
11
e
Sch n
Cow Pies T
Midgley Bridge
bl y
l
Hil
E
Huckaby
Campgrounds
T
Munds Wagon
Sombart Ln.
Margs Draw
T
r
Wilderness
Boundary
Munds Mtn.
F
Morgan Rd.
Broken Arrow
gtail
MUNDS MOUNTAIN
WILDERNESS
Chicken
Point
Little Horse
Bell Rock Pathway
Baby Bell
Llama
G
Jacks Cyn.
Courthouse
ell Butte
ock
Courthouse Butte Loop
Bell Rock
Pathway
Ja
Rd .
yn.
C
s
ck
T
Vault Toilet
3
40' limited
All Year
Manzanita Campground ^
$20
Y
Vault Toilet
18
0
(tent only)
All Year
18 (some sites are reservation only)
Cave Springs Campground ^
$20
Y
Vault
Toilet Yes,
Showers
82
36'
Mid-April to
Mid-October
19 (some sites are reservation only)
Pine Flat Campground ^
$20
Y
Vault Toilets
58
36'
Mid-March to
Mid-October
Beaver Creek Day Use Area
(see map on page 5)
$14
Y
Vault Toilets
13
22'
All Year
Clear Creek Campground
(see Tmap on page 5)
Reservations required
$16
Y
Vault Toilets
18
32'
All Year
Clear Creek Group Campground
$75$125
Y
Vault Toilets
1
32'
All Year
Varies
by Site
Y
Flush
Toilets Yes,
Showers
160 Camp
8 Cabins
12 Picnic
45'
All Year
Key: RRP - Red Rock Pass
Wilderness
Boundary
Woods Cyn.
I
1 ?
8
k
Y
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
(camping, cabins, hiking/biking trails,
fishing) (see map page 5)
OAK
CREEK
T
$75$225
H
Big Park
T
Chavez Group
^ Reservations
16 Campground
required
only) (some sites are
17 (tents
reservation only)
T
Chapel
Rd.
Open Season
Red Rock Ranger Station
and Visitor Center
14 Reservations required
Schnebly Hill
Hill
Schnebly
Vista
Vista
Allens Bend
T
Max.
Vehicle
Size
1
8
9
10
T
Wilson Cyn.
No. of
Sites
Day Use Sites
C
T
Drinking Toilets/
Water Showers
Visitor Centers
Telephone
T
5
Fee
9
^ Reservations accepted. Call the National Recreation Reservation Service at (877) 444-6777 or
visit www.recreation.gov
* Interagency National passes, annual, military, senior, and access passes are accepted as a
substitute with the Red Rock Pass.
Note: Red Rock Pass is NOT valid for other fee areas or developed campgrounds and is NOT valid
for state park entry.
8 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
Leave no trace
Red Rock Country
Needs Your Help
M
any popular areas have become crowded and
show signs of damage to vegetation, cryptobiotic soil, water, archaeological sites and wildlife
habitat. It is important for each of us to “Leave No
Trace” when traveling through this unique ecosystem. There are seven actions you can take to Leave No Trace: Be considerate of others
Remember to share the trail, be a safe and courteous
driver and keep noise to a minimum in the forest where
people seek to experience the sounds of nature.
Leave what you find
Plants, flowers, animals, rocks, pottery
shards and other natural and cultural treasures need to stay where you find them.
Take nothing but photos and memories.
Respect Wildlife — This is their home
Watch wildlife from a distance. Never
approach, feed or follow a wild animal.
Do not remove lizards, tarantulas,
snakes or other animals
from the forest. Do
not leave any food
on the ground. Dogs can
fatally frighten wild animals—leash
your dog.
Dispose of waste properly
Pack out what you bring into the forest. If you see trash
left by others, please pick it up too. Dispose of human
waste responsibly­—bury it 6 inches deep at least 200 feet
from water and trails. Pack out toilet paper. Cigarette
butts are trash, too!
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Always walk on the main trail—creating new trails
destroys the fragile cryptobiotic soil crust, desert vegetation and animal habitat. If you must travel off the trail,
choose rock, gravel or sand surfaces.
Minimize campfire impacts
When camping in arid country, a stove is better than
a fire. Trees and shrubs grow slowly in arid lands, and
dead wood is vital to the desert ecosystem. Minimizing
campfires keeps the area more natural, the air cleaner and
the risk of wildfires to a minimum. Wildfires have been
started by campfires thought to be completely out.
Oak Creek has exceptional recreational and ecological significance and is designated an “Outstanding Arizona Water.”
Even with this special protection, Oak Creek water contains a
bacteria and too much of this bacteria poses a health concern.
We can all do our part in keeping Oak Creek pristine and
healthy by disposing of waste, using designated restroom facilities, packing out trash (especially baby diapers!), and cleaning
up after our pets. Thank you for doing your part.
Plan ahead and prepare
Check with a Forest Service visitor center for updates and
information. Use maps, stay on the trails, and be prepared
for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
T
he Red Rock Country offers great mountain biking
for all skill levels, with most trails being moderately
to very challenging. To protect the fragile cryptobiotic soil, it’s important for bicyclists to stay on the trail
and not create new tracks. While bicycles are prohibited
in wilderness, there are many excellent trails outside wilderness open to bicycles.
Here are a few trails recommended
for mountain biking. For more trail
information, contact a local bike shop.
Bell Rock Pathway (Easy) This wide, flat to rolling
pathway wraps around the base of Bell Rock and parallels the Munds Mountain Wilderness boundary. It offers
closeup views of Bell Rock and
Courthouse Butte, and links up
to the more narrow Big Park
Loop and Little Horse Trail. Distance: 3.5 miles one way.
Directions: Hwy. 179 to Little
Horse Trailhead or Bell Rock
Vista just north of the Village of
Oak Creek. Big Park Loop (Easy
to Moderate) This
single-track trail
loops south of Bell
Rock and Courthouse Butte and
links up with Bell Rock Pathway for a longer ride.
Distance: 4 miles.
Directions: Hwy. 179 to Bell Rock Vista just north of
the Village of Oak Creek. This trail starts a quarter mile
north on Bell Rock Pathway.
North Urban Trail System (Moderate to
Strenuous) Access from Jordan Road Trailhead, Soldier
Pass Road Trailhead, and Andante Drive Trailhead.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Easy to Strenuous)
Trails wind along the Verde River and in the grasslands
of this state park. Lime Kiln Trail, Thumper Trail,
Bones Trail and Raptor Hill Trail offer easy to strenuous
bicycling, much of it single track.
Distance: Varies.
Directions: South on Hwy. 89A to Cottonwood.
Follow signs to state park.
Baldwin Trail (Moderate) 1.5 miles one way. Trail
loops around a large butte and then follows Oak Creek
for a short stretch. Constantly changing grade with
fast, curvy single track and sections of rocky dry wash.
Access across from end of Verde Valley School Road
parking area.
HT/Templeton Trails (Moderate) 6 miles round trip.
Ride includes two highway underpasses, rocky wash crossings, curvy single track, slick rock, Oak Creek and views of
Cathedral Rock. Can be connected with Baldwin Trail for
extended ride. Access from Little Horse Trailhead on Hwy.
179. Follow Bell Rock Pathway to junction with HT just
past the foot bridge.
Little Horse Trail (Moderate to Strenuous) 1.6
miles one way. Single track climbs to Chicken Point through
pinyon and cypress forest. Some steep, rocky climbs.
Access from Little
Horse Trailhead on
Hwy. 179. Links
with Broken Arrow
and Mystic Trails for
extended loop.
Bicyclists:
Designated as an “Outstanding Arizona Water,” Oak Creek offers
recreation enjoyment
Yield to all other trail
users. Thank you for
sharing the trail!
Hiking
o matter what time of year, hikers must
N
carry water. One gallon per person per
day is recommended. Dehydration is one of the
biggest dangers of hiking in Red Rock Country. Bring trail mix or snacks, even for short hikes.
Also:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Wear hiking boots or
good walking shoes.
In your pack, carry:
first aid kit, map, flashlight, toilet paper
and plastic bag, rescue whistle, compass,
pocket knife, extra food.
Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after
your pet.
Use toilets before you hit the trail.
If nature calls, leave no trace. Choose a
spot at least 200 feet from water or trails.
Bury waste 6 inches deep. Pack out toilet
paper.
Trailheads are targets of theft.
Never leave valuables in your car.
Get a weather report.
Tell someone where you are going.
Hike with a friend.
Getting to the trail
Sedona has many trailheads that offer
parking and trail information. Some
trailheads are small and located within residential areas. Please:
•Respect private property rights.
•Don’t park in front of a driveway or outside of
the trailhead parking lot.
•Pack out your trash.
A few suggested hikes:
Lower Chimney Rock (1 mile round trip) From
the junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 89A
west 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road on the right.
Go north .5 mile to Thunder Mountain Road on
the right. Go .6 mile east to the turnoff on the left
for trailhead parking. A fun family hike!
Big Park (1 mile round trip) From the junction
of Hwys. 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179 south
6.5 miles to a short roadway on the left marked
for Bell Rock Vista, milepost 307.1 An easy
access trail for hiking or mountain bike riding
with views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Mystic (2 miles round trip) From the junction
of Hwys. 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179
south 3 miles and turn onto Chapel Road. The
trailhead is located on the left at the intersection
of Antelope Drive. This trail connects with Little
Horse Trail and Bell Rock Pathway by a marked
trail on residential streets. A great trail for hikers
who want a less remote experience.
Cathedral Rock (1.5 miles round trip) From
the junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 179
south 3.5 miles to Back O’Beyond Road on
the right. Go .6 mile to the trailhead parking
turnout on the left. Parking is limited and when
the trailhead is full, parking is not permitted on
Back O’Beyond Road. Alternate access points are
Little Horse Trailhead on 179 (using Bell Rock
Pathway to HT Trail to Templeton Trail to get
to Cathedral Rock Trail) or Baldwin Trailhead
hiking continued on page 9
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 9
Village of Oak Creek Trail Map
P
oc
SR
17
9
Ea
(No Bicycles)
y
ez
Bre
il
Ba
ma
Lla
il
Tra
Tra
n
Yavapai
Vista
Baby Bell
Trail
Courthouse
Vista
ou
C
P
r th
P
o
us
e
ck
Ro
oop
il
Tra
dd
M
ade T r a i l
Bell
Rock
Vista
y
Path w a
ail
Tr
eS
P Trailhead
Parking
Big Park L
l
el
i
h
op
Lo
B
y
ad
Sh
e
ad
nt
h
Courthouse
Butte
Bell
Rock
m
S li
M
tt e
Bu
Phone
Trail
N
i
le
Loy Canyon (10 miles round trip) From the junction
of Hwys. 89A and 179, drive west on 89A about 5
miles past Sedona and turn right (north) on FR 525.
Follow the signs toward Loy Butte 9.3 miles to the
trailhead. Watch for signs on your right and a parking
area on your left just before crossing a cattle guard into
Hancock Ranch. FR 525 past the junction with FR
795 is normally passable for any high-clearance vehicle
but should be avoided in wet weather. This provides
a more remote hike in Red Rock/Secret Mountain
Wilderness.
Horseback Riding Trails
il
Tr
ai
l
ail
yT
r
le t o
mp
Te
h
mS
S li
ad
kP
a
y
sy
Munds
Mountain
Wilderness
a
thw
HT Trail
ll R
Be
il
Tra
Tra
il
tle
Llama T l
ra i
yT
ra
on Verde Valley School Road. Consult a map for trail
links. This is a challenging, slick rock hike where shoes
with good soles and ankle support are a necessity.
il
ez
L it
HT
Br
e
se
hiking continued from page 8
il
Tra
Ho
r
Little Horse
Don't bust the crust
r
Pa
Big
p
oo
L
k
P
Cockscomb (multiple trails, mileage varies) From the
junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 89A west 3.2
miles to Dry Creek Road on the right. Go 2.9 miles
to a “T” and turn left on Boynton Pass Road. Go 1.6
miles to another “T” and turn left onto FR 152C.
Continue for .8 mile to the Cockscomb and Fay
Canyon Trails trailhead parking area on the left. Fay
Canyon Trail is short and not appropriate for horseback riding, but Cockscomb Trail connects to Dawa,
Rupp, AZ Cypress, and Girdner Trails increasing the
distance and variety for a nice ride. This area features
rolling terrain with picturesque old trees, views of red
rock cliffs and the Cockscomb rock formation.
Bruce Brockett Trailhead (multiple trails, mileage
varies) For access take I-17 to the Hwy. 179 junction.
At this junction, take FR 618 east for 2 miles away
from Sedona. At the top of the hill just before the
Beaver Creek Ranger Station, turn left (north) and
drive to the trailhead at the end of this small gravel
road. This turn is marked by a sign indicating horse
trailer parking. There is adequate room for up to 12
large trailers. There are toilets, and camping at the
trailhead is allowed. A half-mile trail from the recently
constructed Bruce Brockett Trailhead accesses Bell Trail
which goes up Wet Beaver Creek and provides access
to Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness. Once on Bell Trail,
you have access to the Apache Maid and White Mesa
Trails. All of these trails are good equestrian trails and
allow long rides taking one day or more. No Red Rock
Pass is required. Trails in this area feature sweeping
vistas in limestone mesa country with hidden pockets
of red rock.
Yavapai Point System Trails
Length
Elevation
Gain
Basalt
.1
50
Connects Coconino Trail to Yavapai Vista. Allows for a loop of almost .5 mile including Yavapai Vista, Basalt, and Coconino
Trails.
Coconino
.3
50
Connects Yavapai Point to the south half of Slim Shady Trail. Starts across the pavement from Hermit Trail at Yavapai Vista. The
lower half swoops in and out of a wash before ending on a flat, slick rock bench.
Coconino Spur
.1
0
A very short connection.
Hermit
.3
100
Kaibab
.1
50-100
Made in the
Shade
1
150
Offshoot of Slim Shady Trail. Follows several slick rock ledges. Allows for a loop from the Village of Oak Creek/Bell Rock Trailhead with Slim Shady Trail
Slim Shady
2.5
200
Connects the Village of Oak Creek with Templeton Trail. The south half weaves around contour lines; the north half follows a
wash with several slick rock drops.
Yavapai Vista
.3
100
The bottom half is not open to bicycles. The first 200 feet are at minimal grade (<7 percent) and has a small viewing area just up
from Yavapai Vista at the end of this section. Add Kaibab Trail for a <1/4 mile loop from Yavapai Point Trailhead.
Trail
Description
Smooth and flowing trail. Connects Yavapai Point to Templeton Trail
Connector trail from Yavapai Point to access the northern half of Slim Shady Trail.
Common Plants and Wildlife
of Red Rock Country
10 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
Pets on leash
ONE SEED JUNIPER
(Juniperus monosperma)
A tree with leaves called
scales instead of needles. Juniper berries are
small, highly
aromatic blue
berries. CENTURY PLANT
(Agave parryi)
Agave, or century plant,
grow a tall stalk that sports
bright yellow and orange
flowers in the spring. Agaves
are important habitat for
birds and insects.
BANANA
YUCCA
(Yucca baccata)
A member of the
agave family with
rigid spine-tipped
leaves up to 3
feet long. Creamy
white, waxy
flowers become the
“banana” fruit.
SYCAMORE
(Platanus
wrightii)
Beautiful mottled
green and white
barked trees
found along
dry streambanks,
with large palmate
leaves and round
fuzzy seed balls.
PINYON PINE (Pinus edulis) A pinyon tree has needles that are about 1”
long. The cones are sticky with pitch
and produce pinyon nuts. POINTLEAF
MANZANITA (Arctostaphylos pungens)
A common, beautiful shrub in this area
is the pointleaf manzanita; it has very
smooth, dark red-brown bark.
COTTONWOOD
(Populous fremontii)
Cottonwood trees
are found near
water; they like to
keep their roots wet.
Gray bark is deeply
furrowed and seeds
disperse on cottony
fluff.
ARIZONA CYPRESS (Cupressus
arizonica) The Arizona cypress tree
is common in dry washes and has a
curly, paper-like bark, blue color to
the scales, and a round cone.
Townsend’s Big Eared Bat
(Corynorhinus townsendii)
This rare bat uses caves,
sinkholes, and mines for
roosting and hibernating.
When they hibernate, they
curl their large ears up to
keep them warm.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
This large black soaring scavenger has
white underwings and adults have a featherless head. A summer resident in Red
Rock Country, it migrates south in winter.
SPINY LIZARD (Sceloporus magister)
A stout lizard that can be 10 inches long.
They are shy and will circle around the
opposite side of the tree trunk as someone
approaches.
QUAIL (Callipepla
gambelii)
Gambel’s quail are
distinguished by
the prominent teardrop shaped feather
plume on the top
of the head. In
spring they can be
seen with their tiny
chicks, sometimes
numbering a dozen
or more.
RED TAIL HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)
A large and common hawk with a red
tail. The call is a distinctive “keeer!”
PRICKLY PEAR
(Opuntia engelmannii)
Prickly pear cactus has bright yellow blossoms that turn to bright red fruit in late
summer. Many wild animals eat the fruit,
despite the tiny sharp spines called glochids.
Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
This slow-moving, large hairy spider
can be blonde or brown. Males are
most common since females stay in
burrows.
Raven (Corvus corax)
This large black bird has a distinctive croak,
and makes a variety of other calls.
Coyote (Canis latrans)
Very adaptable mammal sometimes
called a “songdog” because of their
barks, howls and yips.
CANYON
TREE FROG
(Hyla arenicolor)
A small frog
with a loud
mating call
that sounds
like short blasts
of a rivet gun.
Tree frogs rarely
climb trees, but
are found in
rocky drainages
with some
water.
Wildlife Safety
Observe animals from a distance.
Early morning and evening are the best times to observe wildlife.
Scorpions, though seldom seen, are
found under rocks and in shady places, so
never put your hands where you can’t see
them. Empty shoes and shake out clothes
before putting them on.
Never feed wild animals. Wild
animals who are fed will associate humans
with food, and may become aggressive toward
humans. Do not leave food scraps anywhere. All Illustrations ©Zackery Zdinak
Snakes and other small animals find
shade under rocks. Watch where you are
walking especially when stepping on and
over boulders.
Cases of rabies have been reported
recently. Observe wildlife from a distance. Keep dogs leashed at all times.
Solving the Mystery
of the Red Rocks
Stay on trails
S
ome 4 million people visit Red Rock Country
annually, a large number considering that one
of the prime attractions is rust! Many visitors
ask why the red rocks are red. The answer is that the
red color found in most of the layers is hematite, or
iron oxide, a mineral found in great abundance in
sedimentary rocks.
Rocks in Red Rock Country are old. From bottom
to top layer, one can observe about 80 million years
of sediment deposition! Picture a giant layer cake,
each layer being its own type of rock (sandstone,
limestone, siltstone). Each layer was deposited in
its own geologic era. Some layers were deposited in
shallow seas, some in river deltas and flood plains.
Some layers are hardened sand dunes. All of these
strata (except the basalt) were laid down, one atop
another, during the Paleozoic Era. During this era,
fishes dominated the oceans and plants and amphibians were just starting to live on land. T. Rex had
not even evolved yet! Amazingly, these rocks haven’t
eroded away even though wind and water have been
working on them for 275 million years.
Vortex Sites are Popular
A
Northern Arizona University study found that
64 percent of visitors in a recent year came to
Red Rock Country seeking some kind of spiritual
experience. Part of the attraction is the inspirational and
regenerative nature of Sedona’s scenic beauty, as well as a
recreation destination. Sedona is believed by some to be a vortex meditation
site, places of power in the red rocks that enhance prayer,
contemplation, and reflection for people of all faiths. Most Sedona bookstores have books on vortex beliefs
and methods for experiencing these aspects of spiritual
exploration. Vortex sites are some of the most visited
and impacted sites on the national forest.
It is important to protect the spiritual beauty of this
landscape. Here’s how you can help:
© Wayne Ranney from Sedona Through Time
BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS
Stop! Don’t step on that soil. It’s full of life.
A
lthough the soil surface may look like dirt to
you, it is full of living organisms that are a vital
part of the desert ecosystem. This veneer of life
is called a biological soil crust. These crusts are found
throughout the world, from hot deserts to polar regions.
Crusts generally cover all soil spaces not occupied by
green plants. In many areas, they comprise over 70 percent of the living ground cover and are key in reducing
erosion, increasing water retention, and increasing soil
fertility. In most dry regions, these crusts are dominated
by cyanobacteria (previously called blue-green algae),
which are one of the oldest known life forms. Soil crusts
also include lichens, mosses, microfungi, bacteria, and
green algae.
These living organisms and their byproducts create a
continuous crust on the soil surface. Immature crusts
are generally flat and the color of the soil, which makes
them difficult to distinguish from bare ground. Mature
crusts, in contrast, are usually bumpy and dark colored
due to the presence of lichens, mosses, and high densities of cyanobacteria and other organisms.
The crusts are important in the interception of rainfall,
absorbing up to 10 times their volume of water. The
roughened surface of the crusts slows runoff and increases water infiltration into the soil, which is especially
important in arid areas with sporadic, heavy rainfall.
In addition to stabilizing surfaces and increasing water
harvesting, crustal organisms also contribute nitrogen
and organic matter to ecosystems, especially important
in desert ecosystems where nitrogen levels are low and
often limit productivity.
Unfortunately the crusts are not a match for the stress
caused by footprints or bike and car tires. Even small
impacts can have profound consequences. Crushed
crusts contribute less nitrogen and organic matter to
the ecosystem and the soils are left highly susceptible to
both wind and water erosion. Blowing sediment from
disturbed areas can cover nearby healthy crusts. Burial
can mean death because crustal organisms need sunlight
to live.
A single footprint has a long lasting effect on desert
ecosystems: nitrogen fixation stops and underlying soil
connections are broken. Under good conditions, a thin
veneer of cyanobacteria may return in 5 years. Recovery
may take up to 20 years in places with higher rainfall
and up to 250 years in places of lower rainfall (Red Rock
Country).
What can you do to preserve a
healthy desert ecosystem?
he large, black patches of dark, knobby,
brittle crust are actually a cryptobiotic crust. The crust is made of lichen, moss, cyanobacteria, liverwort and fungi. The crust prevents
erosion and retains water and minerals for plants. Without the cryptobiotic crust, the red rock landscape would become barren sand dunes. The crust
is easily broken, especially when it is dry. A single
footstep can erase decades of growth. Where trails do not exist, hike in washes or
on rocks. Text excerpted from USGS Fact Sheet
FS-065-01, July 2002, Reprinted April 2004.
Learn more at
www.soilcrust.org
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 11
Typical Red Rock Country geologic cross section
• Treat the site and the trails to it as a fragile resource –
Leave No Trace.
• Do not move rocks and sticks to create “medicine
wheels.” For many, this detracts from the area’s natural
beauty and leaves an impact on the site.
• Stay on the main trail to the site. Do not create side trails. • When you depart, leave nothing behind – take with
you only memories and wisdom.
• Preserve the natural quiet by chanting, drumming, singing, or praying quietly. Because thousands visit these sites every year, each of us
must help to keep the beauty of Sedona’s inspirational
landscape safe for many generations to come.
Stay On The Trail
Palatki Heritage Site waterfall following recent rain
How About a
Commercial Tour?
Don’t bust
the crust
T
It’s Alive
M
any commercial tours are offered on the
national forest. Visitors can choose a
tour company which provides a safe and
informative tour of Red Rock Country for those
interested in hiking, mountain bicycling, jeeping,
ballooning, fishing, and many other activities.
Legal tour companies are carefully managed under
permit to ensure they offer quality services and
protect the environment. Fees generated by legal
tour operators help maintain the national forest.
A list of current, permitted guides can be found
online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/projects/
outfitter/permitted-o-g.shtml. If you are unsure
about a commercial tour operator, you can ask to
see their Forest Service permit.
12 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest
Don't bust the crust
Wilderness . . .
Sedona’s Wild Backyard
“Our wild lands are our most important endangered species.”
J
—Former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson
Federally designated wilderness areas, totaling more than
140,000 acres:
•
•
•
Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
Munds Mountain Wilderness
Colorful cliffs, soaring pinnacles, cactus, thick pinyonjuniper forests, and rich riparian areas flanked by crimson
walls distinguish these special places. Black bear, mountain
lion, white-tailed deer, rattlesnakes and canyon wrens are
common to these wilderness areas. These species and many
others depend on natural habitat where man is an occasional visitor.
Red Rock Country’s wilderness areas are literally in
Sedona’s backyard. Most of the cliffs viewed from
town and many of the trails around Sedona
are in the Munds Mountain and Red
Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness areas.
Bell Rock is in wilderness, only steps
from the highway. These wildernesses
are some of the most heavily visited in
the Nation with over 230,000 visitors
each year. Wilderness qualities of solitude,
silence, and a pristine environment are no
Over half of all American wilderness is in Alaska,
longer found in some popular areas. Even so,
where 56.5 million acres have been set aside as
protecting Red Rock Country’s fragile wilderness
wilderness. About 6 percent of Arizona’s
areas from further impact depends on you. Using
72 million acres has been designated as
these areas with the care and respect they
wilderness, or 4.5 million acres. One
deserve, will ensure these fragile lands
third of Red Rock Country is in three
Sketch by Susan Klie
remain wild.
wer
ohn Muir wrote, “wilderness is the hope of
the world.” Wilderness has traditionally
served as a romantic metaphor for
the American spirit. In 1964, the U.S.
Congress passed the Wilderness Act, setting
aside 91.2 million acres of national forests
to remain in their natural state. Unlike
other Federal public lands, areas designated “wilderness” are protected forever from
both development and motor vehicles.
Recreation Guide to
Your National Forest
Address any comments or questions about this
publication to the Coconino National Forest
Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 282-4119.
Photography: Copyright ©Tom Johnson except
as noted
Cover Illustration: Raven © 1999 Zachery Zdinak
In Partnership With: The Friends of the Forest,
City of Sedona, Arizona Natural History Association,
and Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
Sedona
Friends of the Forest
The Friends of the Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 2391
Sedona, AZ 86339
City of Sedona
102 Roadrunner Drive
Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-3113
Arizona
Natural
History
Association
Arizona Natural
History Association
1824 S. Thompson Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 527-3450
Verde Valley’s History and Culture Lives
P
rehistoric Indian cliff dwellings in Red Rock
Country offer vivid evidence of habitation at least
1,500 years ago. According to archaeologists, the
Sinagua (meaning “without water”) culture flourished
in the Verde Valley from around 600 AD to 1400 AD.
Around 1400 or shortly thereafter, the Sinagua abandoned the Verde Valley. They migrated to the east and
then north over the course of several generations, eventually becoming part of the Hopi and other puebloan
tribes in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.
Sometime near the end of the Sinagua occupation,
the Yavapai and Apache moved into the valley. Their
descendants still live here today.
Rock art is one of the legacies left behind by the Sinagua. Petroglyphs (pecked or scratched images) and pictographs
(painted images) are found on rock panels throughout
Red Rock Country. The true meaning of the rock art is
unknown, but various interpretations exist. The rock art
could be clan signs, spiritual messages, calendars, commemorations of events, or a combination of these.
Sites open to the public
Montezuma Castle National Monument –
Cliff dwelling by Wet Beaver Creek. Open 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. Take I-17 to Exit 289. Go past Cliff Castle
Casino and turn north at sign. (928) 567-3322 • www.
nps.gov/moca • Fee $.
Montezuma Well National Monument – Limestone
sinkhole, cliff dwellings, and lush oasis by Wet Beaver
Creek. Take McGuireville/Rimrock Exit on I-17. Follow
signs to monument. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (928)
567-3322
Tuzigoot National Monument – Partially restored
Indian pueblo and museum. Located in Cottonwood.
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (928) 634-5564 • www.nps.gov/
tuzi • Fee $.
Walnut Canyon National Monument – Narrow, deep
limestone canyon holds more than 80 cliff dwellings.
Picnic areas, trails, and visitor center. Open 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. daily. Go 9 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40, Exit
204. Fee. (928) 526-3367 • www.nps.gov/waca
Wupatki National Monument - Rock art, ruins, and
scenery. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. North of Flagstaff
on Hwy. 89A. Fee. (928) 679-2365 • www.nps.gov/
wupa
V bar V Heritage Site – Rock art site and visitor center on the banks of Wet Beaver Creek. Open 9:30 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
only. From Sedona, take Exit 298 off I-17, the FR 618
south and follow the signs for 2 miles to the entrance
gate. No pets. Red Rock Pass required. Groups over 14
people must have reservations. (928) 592-0998 • www.
redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/v-v
Palatki Heritage Site – Cliff dwelling, rock art, and visitor center. Open 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Reservation
required – call (928) 282-3854. Go southwest on Hwy.
89A 5 miles beyond the last traffic light in west Sedona.
Turn right on FR 525, follow the signs for 6 miles and
then take FR 795 for 1.5 miles to the entrance gate. No
pets. Red Rock Pass required • www.redrockcountry.org/
recreation/culture/palatki
Honanki Heritage Site - Cliff dwelling and rock art. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Take Hwy. 89A southwest
of Sedona to Forest Road 525. Go southwest on Hwy. 89A
5 miles beyond the last traffic light in west Sedona. Turn
right on FR 525, follow the signs for 10 miles (unpaved)
to the entrance gate. High clearance vehicle recommended. Red Rock Pass required. No pets. (928) 282-4119 •
www.redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/honanki
Museum of Northern Arizona – Indian culture and
natural history museum, gift shop, exhibits, nature trail,
art collection. Two miles north of Flagstaff on Hwy. 180.
Fee. (928) 774-5213 • www.musnaz.org
Sedona Heritage Museum – Highlights the history
of Sedona, its pioneers and settlers. Historic buildings, trails and views. Located in uptown Sedona
at 735 Jordan Road. Fee. (928) 282-7038 • www.
sedonamuseum.org
Fort Verde State Historic Park – Located in Camp
Verde, this was a major fort for General George Crook
during the Indian campaigns of the 1870s. Open 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., Thursday-Monday. (928) 567-3275 • www.
azstateparks.com/Parks/FOVE • Fee $.
Reprinted May 2014 • USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Sedona Chamber of
Commerce
P.O. Box 478
Sedona, AZ 86339
(928) 282-7722
Check out the exciting variety of natural history
books, posters, cards, CDs, maps, and other
natural and cultural education material for sale
from ANHA at most visitor centers. Founded
in 1988 as a nonprofit organization, ANHA
makes educational materials available to the
public. Proceeds support programs that further
the understanding and appreciation of the area’s
natural and cultural heritage.
Sitting, walking,
pushing or
climbing on ruin
walls is unlawful.
Collecting
or relocating
archaeological
artifacts is
unlawful.
Defacing or
destroying
natural features
or archaeological
sites is unlawful.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of
1979 protects cultural resources for the benefit of
all. Admire these sites, learn from them, but leave
everything where it is. To do otherwise is not only
disrespectful, it is against the law.